new starter = grinding noise - what did i do?

[peepers]

My starter died... 117k miles. Surprise surprise. I did not have time to wait to rebuild my toyota starter so I got one from o'rielly auto parts.

It went in fine. When I started the truck it did start but there was a grinding noise when the starter cranked. I shut the truck down and started it up 2 more times. The noise was still there. Any ideas? If there is more info I can provide please let me know.

My rebuild kit arrives on Tuesday.

 

[acflyguy18]

Does it grind on the tail end of the start, i.e. as soon as it is self sustaining right before you release the key. If so, it may be just an aftermarket reman issue. I have what I described above with mine. The PO had it replaced, and it was grinding so I tried another reman with the same results. Probably will be fine when you rebuild the OEM one.

 

[peepers]

it does it right at startup. i would like to keep the remanned O'Reilly one in there and use the rebuilt as a spare. Is is possible its the wrong starter? The noise it does make is the one that is made when you turn the keys after the car is already started... that bad sound.

Is the starter staying engaged too long? Can I hurt the truck by using it? Will the sound eventually go away and do no harm (ok, I was reaching at straws with that one)?

Sorry to be so annoying, this is my DD and 8am Monday morning is quickly approaching.

 

[Elijah]

Are you positive the starter is completely bolted in? Sounds like it could have enough of the teeth engaging the flywheel but still be slipping? Had this happen to me on another vehicle before.

 

[acflyguy18]

When you say right at start up, at the beginning, the end, or the entire time you have the key turned waiting for start. I realize this sequence happens rapidly but it has to occur at a certain time or the whole time.

I am guessing it is the same thing mine does, and I have been running it for months with no start issues. Had the flywheel out for a rear main seal swap and checked the teeth cause I was worried about grinding, but flywheel was fine; however you could see a little wear on the teeth of the reman.

You should be fine for quite a while, especially if it does not tick or grind after you release the key. I have torn apart the reman multiple times trying to solve this and it still does it. Not ideal, but it will most likely work for a while.

Dave

 

[peepers]

so it just sounds like if there is any damage its going to be to the starter, which can just be replaced again.... no biggie.

the bolts are tight and the starter was flush. i will peek in there again tomorrow to triple check.

 

[peepers]

When you say right at start up, at the beginning, the end, or the entire time you have the key turned waiting for start. I realize this sequence happens rapidly but it has to occur at a certain time or the whole time.

Dave

now it sounds like it has migrated to the "middle" of the cycle. when i turn the key it cranks, slowly, then grinds, then stops grinding and the truck starts.

i hope parts like this are returnable!

 

[acflyguy18]

generally they are not, I returned mine because I told them prior to buying it what was going on and what I was looking for. The guy working at the store said he could return it for me as non OEM compatible; but for the most part electric products are not returnable.

Dave

 

[jjhancock]

I think I would probably rebuild the OEM starter and put it back in the truck, and try to return the reman'd one you're having problems with right now. If you can't return it, keep it for the spare. Seems like it's always a dice roll when you stray from OEM, and sticking with OEM yields the intended results. My .02 good luck!